GUILHERME ALMEIDA
MARGAO
If the formalin scare has kept away fish loving Goans from the fish markets and the river fish beyond the means of the common man, anxious Goemkars will have to wait for a couple of days more for the arrival of sea fish netted by rampon (fishing by traditional gear) and motorised canoes along the coastline.
The much-sought after “korbot” “ a mixture of variety of small fish, netted from the shallow sea waters during this time of the year, is yet to hit the markets even though the new fishing season beginning from August 1 is only 13 days away. The reason is not far to seek. The conditions in the Arabian Sea is not conducive for fishing with the traditional gear to venture out for fishing, with the coastline battered by huge waves triggered by strong gusty winds. This is only delaying the traditional fishermen along the Velsao-Cansaulim-Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim belt to venture out into the sea with motorised canoes and rampon.
A visit to the wholesale fish market and the retail fish markets revealed one thing, that fish loving Goans, who harbour doubts on consuming fish imported from across the border, are now scouting for the fish netted by rampon in the sea. Even eatery owners were found looking out for “korbot” in the wholesale fish market on Tuesday, hoping to use the fish to prepare “umonn” “ the traditional Goan fish curry, with customers no more asking for the usual fish such as mackerels, sardines, lady fish, sole fish, etc imported from outside the State.
Traditional fishermen told The Goan that korbot and other local variety of fish used to hit the markets around this time of the year after days of heavy rains and cyclonic winds.
Says President of Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott, Agnelo Rodrigues: “The Arabian Sea is still rough and the huge waves that has hit the coastline is not all conducive for the traditional fishermen to venture out for fishing with motorised canoes and rampon. This year, the cyclonic winds have persisted till date as a result of which the traditional fishermen will have to wait for some time. I do not think that it would be possible to venture out into the sea at least in the next four-five days.”
Around 600-odd motorised canoes are registered with the department, but Agnelo pointed out that not all canoes venture out for fishing, for different reasons, including the availability of manpower. “One person may own two or more canoes, but the question of venturing out into the sea depends on the availability of migrant manpower,” he added.
Traditional fishermen inhabiting the Benaulim coast had all participated in the annual prayer service close to the shore on Sunday, ahead of the new season. But, the huge waves and adverse sea conditions have come in their way of venturing out into the sea.
The sea condition at the Cavelossim-Mobor belt is no different, traditional fishermen informed, leaving them with no option than to wait for nature’s fury to subside to begin their new fishing season and the much sought after local variety of fish in the markets.
